Serena Williams' Husband Alexis Ohanian Resigns from Reddit to Give His Seat to a Black Candidate

Alexis Ohanian explained that his decision to step down as a board member of Reddit was not just to give way to a Black candidate but for the sake of his daughter.

While some celebrities took to the streets to protest the death of George Floyd and others made sizeable donations towards the #BlackLivesMatter cause, Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian made a bold move to show his support.

HIS REASONS FOR STEPPING DOWN

Two days ago, the Reddit co-founder announced that he would step down as a member of the company’s board for the sake of his daughter and to give way to a Black candidate to take his place.

Following his resignation from the Reddit board, he sat down with his wife to discuss his decision, which he made solely and without his wife's urging.

Ohanian shared a clip explaining his decision which he believes is “long overdue.” He admitted he was doing it for himself, his family, and his country.

Alexis added that he was also motivated as a father whose daughter, Olympia is biracial. He wants to be able to look at her one day and say that he did something when she asks him, “What did you do?”

As such, Ghanaian revealed he resigned from the Reddit board and has urged his fellow board members to fill it with someone who’s Black. He further added that he will use his future gains from his Reddit stock “to serve the black community, chiefly to curb racial hate.”

Ohanian ended his video’s caption with powerful words that appeared to be suggesting bigger steps from other leaders.

“I believe resignation can actually be an act of leadership from people in power right now. To everyone fighting to fix our broken nation: do not stop.”

He also revealed that he intends to donate $1 million to Colin Kaepernick’s “Know Your Rights Camp,” an initiative that mobilizes the Black youth.

A CHAMPION FOR HIS WIFE AND MARRIAGE

Ohanian isn't new to fighting for the causes of African Americans. In the past, he has constantly had to defend his choice to marry outside of his race. Of Armenian and German descent, Ohanian would often slam critics of his marriage to Williams.

Moreover, he would come to his wife's defense whenever she would be subjected to a racist attack such as when a racist cartoon of Williams was published after her explosive encounter with an official during the 2018 US Open.

WHAT WORRIES HIM MOST

Following his resignation from the Reddit board, he sat down with his wife to discuss this decision, which he made solely and without his wife’s urging.

Ohanian expressed his worry over what their daughter will be up against in the future and sympathized with his wife who’s had to stand this all her life.

Williams assured him that she coped with this “normal” by leaning on her faith. She also said their daughter will be proud of what he did to show solidarity for the Black community.